Summary
A 57-year-old U.S. citizen with a Ph.D. in engineering was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline B (Foreign Influence) and Guideline L (Outside Activities). The Statement of Reasons alleged that the applicant volunteered with an Israeli scientific organization (SIL) from 2011 to 2015 and worked for an Israeli technology school during a sabbatical from 2011 to 2012. Additionally, the applicant had a friend who is an Israeli citizen and resident.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under Adjudicative Guidelines paragraphs 7(a), 7(b), 7(i), and 37(a). However, the judge found that the applicant successfully mitigated these concerns.
Mitigating conditions applied included Adjudicative Guidelines paragraphs 8(a), 8(b), and 38(b). The applicant severed all ties with the Israeli organization and technology school, confirming no contact with the organization for over a year and no future plans for consultation. The decision highlighted the applicant's deep and longstanding ties to the United States, including family and professional commitments, as a key factor in granting the security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant severed ties with the Israeli organization and technical school, mitigating foreign influence concerns.
- He has not had contact with the Israeli organization for over a year and has no plans to consult with them in the future.
- The applicant has deep and longstanding ties to the United States, including family and professional commitments.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 37(a)raisedOutside Activities
- AG ¶ 7(a)rejectedForeign InfluenceInsufficient evidence to support that Applicant has ties of affection for or an obligation to Mr. X.
- AG ¶ 7(b)rejectedForeign InfluenceApplicant has severed ties to SIL and the Israeli technical school.
- AG ¶ 7(i)rejectedForeign InfluenceNo current conduct makes Applicant vulnerable to exploitation.
- AG ¶ 38(b)appliedOutside ActivitiesApplicant terminated his relationship with SIL and has had no further contact.
- AG ¶ 8(a)appliedForeign InfluenceUnlikely Applicant would be placed in a position of having to choose between foreign interests and U.S. interests.
- AG ¶ 8(b)appliedForeign InfluenceApplicant has longstanding ties to the U.S. and would resolve any conflict of interest in favor of U.S. interests.
Key Rule Quoted
“The protection of the national security is the paramount consideration.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 4, 2016
- Answer filedOct 13, 2016
- Hearing heldMar 15, 2017
- Decision dateJun 30, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Foreign Influence Concerns Due to Severed Ties with Foreign Entities
- Application of the Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Decisions
- Consideration of Longstanding U.S. Ties in Evaluating Foreign Influence Risks